ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Cardiovascular Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
The following are major side effects of PGE1 EXCEPT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) hypertension. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a medication commonly used in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus. The major side effects of PGE1 include apnea, fever, and cutaneous flushing. Apnea can occur as a result of the respiratory center being affected by PGE1. Fever is a common side effect due to the pyrogenic properties of prostaglandins. Cutaneous flushing is caused by vasodilation mediated by prostaglandins. Hypertension is not a major side effect of PGE1. In fact, PGE1 is known to cause vasodilation and can lead to hypotension rather than hypertension. It is important for pediatric nurses to be aware of the side effects of medications used in the management of cardiovascular disorders to provide safe and effective care to their patients.
Question 2 of 5
The MOST common cause of sudden death in competitive athletes is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing and cardiovascular disorders, understanding the most common causes of sudden death in competitive athletes is crucial for early recognition and intervention. The correct answer is B) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes due to the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can disrupt the heart's electrical system and lead to fatal arrhythmias during physical activity. A) Aortic stenosis is less common in causing sudden death in athletes compared to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Aortic stenosis typically presents with symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath rather than sudden death during exertion. C) Coronary artery abnormalities, while serious, are not as common a cause of sudden death in athletes as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These abnormalities may predispose individuals to heart attacks but are not typically associated with sudden arrhythmic death during sports. D) Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, can indeed lead to sudden death but is not as prevalent as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy among competitive athletes. Myocarditis often presents with symptoms like chest pain, fever, and fatigue before progressing to more severe complications. Educationally, recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in young athletes is crucial for nurses working in pediatric settings. By understanding the prevalence and implications of this condition, nurses can advocate for proper cardiac screening protocols and help prevent tragic outcomes in the athletic population.
Question 3 of 5
In utero heart failure, often with fetal pleural and pericardial effusions and generalized ascites (nonimmune hydrops fetalis) may occur in
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In utero heart failure with fetal effusions and ascites, known as nonimmune hydrops fetalis, is most commonly associated with a single ventricle defect. This is because in a single ventricle defect, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the fetus' body cavities. Option A, ventricular septal defect, typically does not present with the severe manifestations of in utero heart failure seen in nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Coarctation of the aorta (Option B) involves a narrowing of the aorta and may lead to issues like high blood pressure but is not typically associated with the effusions and ascites described. D-Transposition of the great arteries (Option C) involves a switching of the pulmonary artery and aorta, leading to mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, but it does not usually manifest with the specific findings mentioned. In an educational context, understanding the specific presentations of different cardiovascular disorders in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses caring for these vulnerable populations. Recognizing the unique signs and symptoms associated with each condition helps in prompt identification, appropriate intervention, and improved outcomes for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders.
Question 4 of 5
Postoperative pulmonary hypertension can be managed with
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In managing postoperative pulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients, the correct option is C) nitroprusside. Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that reduces both pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance, thus decreasing the pressure on the right side of the heart. This helps to improve cardiac output and oxygenation in the setting of pulmonary hypertension postoperatively. Option A) hyperventilation is not an appropriate management strategy for postoperative pulmonary hypertension as it can lead to respiratory alkalosis and potentially worsen the condition by affecting the acid-base balance. Option B) catecholamines are not the first-line treatment for postoperative pulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients. While they can improve cardiac output, they may also increase pulmonary vascular resistance, which is undesirable in this scenario. Option D) phosphodiesterase inhibitors like sildenafil are commonly used in managing pulmonary hypertension, but in the postoperative period, nitroprusside is preferred due to its rapid onset of action and titratability. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind choosing nitroprusside for postoperative pulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses caring for this population. It highlights the importance of selecting appropriate vasodilators based on their mechanism of action and the specific needs of the patient to optimize outcomes and prevent potential complications.
Question 5 of 5
The MOST common early long-term complication for those patients who underwent repair of complete atrioventricular canal before the development of pulmonary vascular disease is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the long-term complications following surgical repair of complete atrioventricular canal is crucial for providing effective care. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) left AV valve regurgitation. This complication is the most common early long-term issue post-repair because the surgery often involves manipulation of the AV valve, leading to potential regurgitation over time. Option B) subaortic stenosis is less common in this population and typically occurs as a later complication. Option C) residual ventricular level shunts are usually addressed during the initial repair surgery, so they are less likely to be the primary long-term concern. Option D) complete heart block is a potential complication but is not as prevalent as left AV valve regurgitation in this context. Educationally, nurses must grasp the common postoperative complications in pediatric cardiovascular disorders to monitor patients effectively. Understanding the timing and likelihood of each complication allows for early recognition and intervention, optimizing patient outcomes. Regular follow-ups and echocardiograms are vital to detect and manage issues like left AV valve regurgitation promptly.